The Generosity of Love

About this sermon

Introduction: Love is without hypocrisy (v.9). Love is pure (v.9). Love has warm affection for the family of God (v.10). Love is unselfish and takes the lead in honoring others (v.10). Love serves the Lord without hesitation and with zeal (v.11). Love is steadfast (v.12). And now we come to what we find in verse 13, and we can sum it up this way. LOVE IS GENEROUS – LOVE GIVES THE GENEROUS NATURE OF LOVE I want to begin by thinking about that general truth. I want us to acknowledge that when we walk in the love of God, then we will be a GIVING people. Where there is love there is generosity. Where there is love there is a giving spirit. Love is not selfish. Love is not stingy. Love does not hoard. Love gives and shares and meets the needs of others. This is a truth taught in many places and in many ways in the New Testament. PAUL DEMONSTRATED THE GENEROSITY OF GOD’S LOVE IN EPHESUS ESV Acts 20:32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Act 20:32 ESV) BELIEVERS ARE TO DEMONSTRATE THE GENEROSITY OF GOD’S LOVE AS A PATTERN ESV Ephesians 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. (Eph 4:28 ESV) ESV 1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. (1Th 5:14 ESV) BELIEVERS ARE TO DEMONSTRATE THE GENEROSITY OF GOD’S LOVE BY THEIR USE OF MATERIAL THINGS ESV 1 Timothy 6:17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (1Ti 6:17 ESV)

Topics

• Love & Compassion
• Generosity
• Giving